Radio Atlantic, IA – AM 1220

Cass County Master Gardeners to Host Spring Garden Seminar on April 21

April 4th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

Gardeners of all interest levels are invited to join the Cass County Master Gardeners for the 14th Annual Spring Garden Seminar on Saturday, April 21 at the Atlantic High School. The day will start with registration at 8:30 AM and the last workshop will conclude at 3:00 PM. Gardeners can expect a full day of educational speakers, interactive workshops, an expert advice panel and more! In addition, anyone pre-registered by the 13th of April will be eligible to win one of the many door prizes donated by local supporting businesses.

The day starts off with well-known garden columnist Jan Riggenbach sharing “Big Ideas for Small Gardens” at 9 AM. Dr. Cynthia Haynes from Iowa State University Extension will then discuss “New Plants for 2012” at 10 AM, before joining a panel of local and state horticulture experts to take questions during an open Q & A session around lunch.

A full luncheon will be served and attendees will also have time to visit booths from local vendors and gardening organizations beginning at 11 AM. Following the lunch break, Susan Appleget-Hurst will present “Your First Herb Garden” with ideas on how, where and when to plant and harvest herbs. The last session of the day gives participants a choice between 9 hands-on workshops on a variety of topics, from creating garden sculptures to arranging flowers, and composting to growing peppers.

Registration for the entire day, including morning snacks, lunch, materials and a “take-home” from the final session, is only $35. A full schedule for the day, along with a registration form, can be found on the Cass County Extension website at www.extension.iastate.edu/cass or can be picked up from the Cass County Extension Office, the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce, or many downtown businesses.